The boys’ school in Durban that produced five Olympic swimmers, including Chad le Clos
Westville Boys’ High School is a public school in KwaZulu-Natal that is often considered the best swimming school in South Africa.
The first record of a school in the Westville area is in 1861, when classes were held in a meeting hall also used for Sunday Church services.
Another mention of a Westville school was in 1935, when a newly qualified teacher welcomed six kindergarten pupils in the same hall.
The following year, this school enrolled six more pupils and was designated a “Farm School,” meaning it was entitled to 60 pounds per annum from the provincial government.
It would move premises upon becoming an official government-aided institution in 1938, before moving once again to the current school site in 1941.
At this time, the school had increased to 50 pupils and 4 staff members and covered standards 2, 3, and 4, grouped as one class.
However, with the provincial administration considering opening a new school in the area, the existing school’s leadership decided to close their private school in 1944, allowing a provincial replacement school to launch the following year.
This school would continue to expand both its enrollment and the grades taught until 1955, when the groundwork was laid to add a high school.
The first standard 7 class would be accepted the following year.
The high school would continue to expand until 1963, when the decision was made to split the school into two – one for boys, and one for girls.
As a result, the last female students at the existing premises would remain until the end of 1964.
From 1965 onwards, the school would be exclusively for boys and would establish itself as one of the region’s premier academic institutions.
“Despite our widespread recognition, we have retained the community character for which our school has been known since it first opened its doors,” said the school’s website.
“Ours is a nurturing climate, reinforcing the values of resilience, respect, discipline, character and humility.”
South Africa’s swimming factory
While Westville Boys’ High School prides itself on providing a comprehensive education, its swimming proficiency stands out.
It achieved a remarkable 13-year undefeated run across all galas and inter-provincial competitions in which it competed between 2008 and 2020, with the streak being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
As of the end of 2020, the school had won all 65 galas it competed in, including the Alan Burt Gala, the Nestor Pierides Inter-Provincial Gala, the State Schools’ Gala, the KZN Top Schools Gala, and the D&D Gala.
It has also been the launching pad for many Olympic swimming careers.
The following five swimmers have competed in the Olympics since 2008 after going to school at Westville Boys’ High School:
- Chad le Clos (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
- Chad Ho (2008, 2016)
- Leith Shankland (2012)
- Charl Crous (2012)
- Calvyn Justice (2016)
The most famous name on this list is Chad le Clos, who won an Olympic gold medal and three silver medals.
Le Clos has also won seven Commonwealth Games gold medals and a further 16 gold medals at World Championships in 25m and 50m pools.
One of the swimming pools at Westville Boys’ High School is named after le Clos, while the other is named after Ho.
Ho is one of South Africa’s greatest-ever open water swimmers, having competed at the Olympic Games twice in this format.
He finished ninth in the 10km open-water event in 2008 and tenth in the same event in 2016.
He also won a record seven Midmar Mile races in a row from 2010 to 2016.
Westville Boys’ High School photos
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